Monday, December 17, 2012

Student Performance Increased by 3D Projectors

Some people think that 3D projectors are simply for entertainment purposes, that they hold no real value outside of watching a movie or playing a video game in the third dimension. However, recent studies have discovered that this is entirely inaccurate. New research is showing that the use of 3D projectors, along with other 3D technology, in the classroom is improving the concentration and test results of students.

This new research is being carried out by the International Research Agency at the bequest of Texas Instruments. Texas Instruments has invested a lot in classroom technology through calculators alone but is also one of the foremost chip technology experts in the world. In addition to that, the company saw the introduction of 3D projectors and 3D glasses to class members that were participating in the research.

The International Research Agency monitored the students and discovered that 86% of them achieved better results in the post-test than they did in the pre-test when using 3D technology. It was also discovered that only 52% improved in the control classes, or the classes that were only given 2D technology for the post-test.

In the 3D in Education White Paper, Professor Anne Bamford, who is heading up the research, stated, "Individuals improved test scores by an average of 17% in the 3D classes, compared to only an 8% improvement in the 2D classes between pre-test and post-test. The teachers commented that the pupils in the 3D groups had deeper understanding, increased attention spans, more motivation and higher engagement."

Moreover, the research also studied classes in seven countries across Europe that are adopting the 3D technology. These countries included the United Kingdom, France and Sweden. The studied surveyed 740 students in 15 schools and involved 47 teachers.

3D projecting may still be a primarily entertainment-driven market, but the potential for some serious classroom benefits are evident. I mean, an 86% increase is substantial at any level and it will be interesting to see what other findings the International Research Agency and Texas Instruments uncover.

Source: Projector Point - Classroom 3D projectors improve pupils' performances

Monday, December 3, 2012

Samsung Debuts New Pico Projector for Use with Galaxy Tab and Galaxy S Devices

Samsung has just released a new, pocket-sized projector that has been specifically designed to compliment the company's vast line of Galaxy Tab tablets and Galaxy S smartphones. Known as the new EAD-R10 Mobile Beam Projector, the device is curved like a smartphone as opposed to being brick shaped like most other pocket projectors. This makes it easier to slip the device into a pocket or bag and take it with you wherever you go.

The one major downside here is the specifications, which look like something you would find in a pocket projector from a couple of years back. The brightness only comes in at 20 lumens while the resolution maxes out at 640 x 360, meaning it is barely able to qualify as a pico projector. However, by using components that are slightly outdated, the Beam is able to achieve a smaller form factor than the Galaxy S III and a price tag of only $221.

Another downside is that the Beam appears to only be a South Korean exclusive at launch. However, this device also appears to be a good alternative to some of the bigger, heftier smartphones out there that have a projector built in, which have had moderate success in the industry in business settings as average consumers don't really see the need for a projector-smartphone hybrid.

If you are looking for a highly portable, pocket-sized projector then the EAD-R10 Mobile Beam Projector from Samsung might be worth looking into, especially if you have a version of the company's Galaxy Tab or Galaxy S smartphone. As the Beam has been specifically designed for use with these devices, you can assume that there will be more than a few features that are designed to enhance your experience with both devices. Once more info drops on worldwide availability and pricing we will be sure to let you know.

Source: Gizmodo - Samsung's Curvy Projector Is More Pocketable Than the Galaxy SIII